The untold story of David Africa and his book Lives On The Line
David Africa is not your average first-time author. His book, Lives On The Line, delves into the real-life experiences of operatives who took down one of South Africa’s most dangerous urban terror organizations, Pagad (People Against Gangsterism and Drugs).
Set in Cape Town more than two decades ago, Pagad’s reign of terror included bombings, fear-inducing tactics, and a pervasive sense of instability in the city. However, behind the scenes, a classified unit within crime intelligence was working tirelessly to dismantle the organization.
Covert operations
The book details the covert operations, surveillance techniques, and response capabilities that were implemented to bring down Pagad. What may have seemed like a sudden disappearance of threats to the public eye actually took six years of meticulous planning and execution.
David Africa, the author, reflects on his personal journey from growing up in Manenberg to being recruited into the ANC underground and eventually transitioning into state intelligence post-1994. He was the first officer in the country to formally investigate Pagad and played a crucial role in building a response structure to combat their activities.
The first officer to investigate Pagad
Despite facing challenges, including government reluctance to label Pagad as a terrorist group, Africa persisted in his investigation. By the end of 2000, the intelligence unit had the capability to prevent any planned attacks in real time, ultimately leading to the dismantling of Pagad.
Lives On The Line was initially pitched as a textbook or case study to law enforcement agencies before transforming into a non-fiction novel. Africa wanted to make the factual content accessible and engaging, even though the subject matter is dark.
More thrilling than Hollywood
The events depicted in Lives On The Line are more thrilling than any Hollywood movie, according to Africa. The real-life experiences of espionage, counterintelligence, and covert operations read like a spy thriller, showcasing the dedication and bravery of the operatives involved.
David Africa believes that reading the book is essential to understanding the full story behind the headlines. He hopes that by sharing this insider account, readers will gain a deeper appreciation for the craft of intelligence work and its role in building a safer society.
As we reflect on the past and look towards the future, Africa’s book serves as a reminder of the impact that a dedicated team of individuals can have in combating crime and ensuring the safety of communities.
